Car batteries are often the essence of Murphy’s law: “Everything that can go wrong will go wrong,” along with the popular postscript, “and at the least opportune time.” For most people, it’s merely an inconvenience when your car won’t start because your battery is dead, but outside of Texas, where the temperature can rise above 100 degrees, having a dead battery can mean the difference between life and death. Follow some of these tips from our Chandler towing professionals to troubleshoot your battery and get your car back on the road.
Carry a set of jumper cables
A good set of jumper cables can be had for under $15. Buy them when you acquire your car and put them into your trunk.
If you stand outside your stranded car, with a pair of jumper cables in hand, you’re 500 percent more likely to get a passing vehicle to stop and jump you, than if you just stand empty and wave at cars. Chances are they will think you are an escaped prisoner or worse.
Know how to use jumper cables
First, keep cable clamps from touching as you don’t want to get “fried” jumping your
car. Carefully place the first red cable on the positive side of your battery, (look for the + symbol,) then place the other on your jumper car.
Second, place the black cable, not on your negative battery, but place it on an unpainted steel away panel from the battery. Then attach the other black cable to the jumpers battery.
Have the jumper car start their engine, and rev it up slightly. Also, be sure that the clamps are tightly attached.
Try to start your car, but never crank it more than a few seconds. If your car doesn’t crank up within a few tries, your battery is a goner.
If your car does startup, don’t shut it off
Plan on driving for a minimum of 30 minutes for the alternator to charge up the battery. If it doesn’t charge up in that time, you may have an alternator problem.
Carry a charged cell-phone with you
The next working payphone maybe 15 miles per way. Always have a charged cellphone to call a tow truck, or call a family member for help.
Get roadside assistance
First, you may already have it, if you bought a car within the last year or two. Some automakers provide free roadside assistance, so check your owners manual, and keep the number handy on a business card in your glove compartment.
If you don’t already have it, many Chandler towing companies offer affordable roadside assistance so they can help get your car up and running in no time.
Keep track of your car batteries health
Pop the hood now and then, and be sure the connections to the battery are tight and no corrosive acid is leaking.
If you have to jump your car more than a couple times per week, you either need a new battery or alternator work. Also if the lights dim while driving or electrical accessories shut off, you may have a problem.
How often should I replace a battery
Although battery manufacturers claim four or five years, two or three is most likely.
Also, if you live in extremely cold temperatures, plan on replacing vehicle batteries sooner.
More Tips from our Chandler Towing Professionals
Batteries aren’t the only part of your vehicle that can unexpectedly fail while you’re on the road. If you’re interested in more tips to deal with unforeseen car trouble while on the road, check out our Chandler towing professionals’ guide to what to do if your breaks fail. Or learn how to troubleshoot an overheating engine with our list of common overheating problems. If you ever find yourself in a difficult situation on the road and need towing in Chandler TX, don’t hesitate to contact your Chandler towing professionals at Hi-Way Towing.
